Valerie Borman Blog – First Songwriting Credit

I’ve always said that I would rather perform in front of a million people than share anything that I’ve written lyrically – or musically for that matter. It is so easy for me to jump on stage and think nothing about performing. I have no anxieties or stage fright whatsoever. But the idea of sharing something that came from my head – or more personally, my heart – strikes a fear in me of no compare. It reminds me of the lyrics of “Breathe 2 a.m.” : “…..I feel like I’m naked in front of the crowd, cause these words are my diary screaming out loud….” REALLY – it feels THAT personal to me!!

But I am so proud to say that I’ve finally taken the plunge – or at least got my feet wet – thanks to the help of two very special guys at Restless Hands Music. Tom Williamson and Bill Fillson took me under their wings this month and with their tutelage and patience, helped me to find the courage to “open up.”

I met Tom when he was performing with The Midnight Special Band at the Walking Horse Hotel in Wartrace. If you’ve not yet checked out The Chais Music Hall there, you are missing out on a musical/acoustical experience. Furthermore – The Midnight Special Band rocks!! After sitting in with the band, Tom invited me to check out the studio at Restless Hands, and introduced me to the President, Bill Fillson. Tom and Bill are two of the nicest, most talented folks I’ve met in Nashville. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to work with them.

In addition to penning a few lines in our co-write, I’ve also had the chance to sing on some song demos at the studio. I would LOVE to get into the demo market, and working with Tom and Bill is giving me some much needed experience in the recording booth. (For those of you who’ve never recorded – it’s NOTHING like performing live. I find recording vocals MUCH more difficult than performing live. Every slight “mistake” I make is captured digitally for all eternity – not that I make any flubs while singing! And there is no playing off the other musicians, or feeding from their energy – just a small booth with a mic in your face. It’s SO different from my 25 years stage experience.)

So now that I’m officially a songwriter, you’ll have to stop back to see/hear the finished products. I’ve got to head to PA for some performances, but when I return to TN, I’ll get back to the studio and pass the final product along to all of you!

See you at the show!

Valerie